A perfect and relevant read for what we all have been experiencing this last year. How do we find peace in the midst of storms and when what is going on around us is out of our control? How do we find calm in the midst of a storm? How do we stay centered in the eye of the hurricane and let it whirl around us? How do we sustain a positive outlook on life when life looks dismal? How do we keep going when we are out of energy, want to give up, and don't see anything good coming out of the bad? How do we keep picking ourselves up after loss after loss, trial after trial, obstacles upon obstacles? Who do we turn to for comfort and reassurance that we are going to be ok and get through this? Even though my personal story was published before the last year, it couldn't be more relevant for all of us. So many people are fearful, angry, holding on to hurts, grieving losses, and finding it hard to adjust to the new abnormal normal, wondering what it is all for and what good can come out of it. The answer is letting go and trusting in God's plans for our lives. He is the one that can bring inner peace and healing and walk us through any storm that might come our way. All those disappointments can be healed, as we are strengthened through our circumstances. Is it easy? Not always, but holding on to the pain does not bring us comfort. Relying on alcohol, sex, food, drugs or any other unhealthy habits is not the answer either. Been there, done that, doesn't work. Using those coping mechanisms only led to more insecurity, sabotage, and chaos that I was trying to escape from. I also know firsthand about pain and wanting to give up and being angry at God for things that had happened. I've experienced loss after loss and life, many times made no sense at all. I often felt way off course as to what I thought my life would be like. Join me on my journey, as I openly and honestly share about my own alcoholism, childhood wounds that were buried, self-sabotage, never feeling like I fit in, and as I go through unspeakable losses some of us can't even imagine. If you have ever struggled with making poor choices due to lack of self-esteem and false childhood beliefs, I understand that too. I also share the many challenges I face daily dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme Disease, and Mulitple Sclerosis. Many have said that reading my story was an "eye-opener" for them, sparking unhealed wounds, resentments, and pain they didn't know they were still holding on to. Yet through reading my story they were able to grasp on to self-forgiveness, God's unconditional, unwavering love and provision for us. Readers appreciated my raw honesty touching on subjects many Christian authors shy away from. It helped them know that they were not alone and that it was ok not to be ok.It is not a quick read and is suggested that you highlight passages along the way that "speak to you" so you can refer back to them. It is an intense read at times, and I guarantee you that you will want to walk away from continuing on my journey at some point, but I urge you to continue reading, especially at those times. God wants to heal you. I promise that you will be changed in ways you never expected. My story continues in my second book, "Heart Tugs, Hugs & A Few Tugs of Wars" also recommended by many.
